Generative ai (i.e. ai technology that generates results from input) has taken the world by storm, and since its widespread adoption a couple of years ago, we have seen and felt its wide-ranging impact across various sectors. For those of us working in education, the repercussions of this impact are still resonating across the spectrum.
The fact that generative technology, powered by conversational ai chatbots like ChatGPT, is transforming the education landscape is becoming more and more evident by the day. However, as I explained in my book ChatGPT for Teachers, it is essential to take a thoughtful and strategic approach when integrating generative ai into the classroom. While the potential benefits are enormous, ranging from personalized learning experiences to the creation of innovative content, there are also important considerations that educators need to address. Issues such as data privacy, ethical use, and the need for human oversight cannot be overlooked.
While I strongly believe in the educational potential of ai, I am an equal advocate for the ethical and pedagogical use of this technology. ai should never be used as a substitute for the human connection, empathy, and critical thinking that are the foundation of education. It should be deployed in ways that respect student privacy, promote equity, and enhance the role of the teacher rather than replace it. The focus should always be on how ai can support and empower both educators and students, rather than simply automating processes or generating content without context.
To ensure that ai is a positive force in education, I have created this checklist that teachers can use to evaluate ai tools before integrating them into their teaching. These tips are based on my extensive reading on the subject and especially on the Washington Post titled “technology/2024/08/23/ai-schools-education-parents-los-angeles-lausd/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>What all parents can learn from the problematic ai in Los Angeles schools“.
Questions to evaluate ai tools for use in the classroom
Below are eight criteria to consider when selecting ai tools to use with your students in class. For each criterion, you’ll find five guiding questions designed to help you critically evaluate the tool’s effectiveness, ease of use, and alignment with your educational goals.
Of course! Below are three or four questions for each of the criteria:
1. Ease of use
- Is the ai tool intuitive and easy to navigate for both teachers and students?
- Does the tool require extensive training or can users quickly start using it with minimal instruction?
- Are there clear and accessible support resources available for troubleshooting and implementation?
- How well does the tool integrate with other platforms and technologies you currently use in the classroom?
2. Educational value
- Does the ai tool align with your specific educational and curricular goals?
- How does the tool contribute to improving student learning outcomes?
- Does the tool provide meaningful and relevant content that encourages deeper understanding and engagement?
- Can the tool be used in different subjects or is it limited to a specific area?
3. Effectiveness
- Does the ai tool consistently deliver on its promised features and benefits?
- How reliable is the tool in producing accurate and relevant educational results?
- Are there measurable improvements in student performance or engagement when using the tool?
- How often does the tool require updates or adjustments to maintain its effectiveness?
4. Privacy and data security
- What types of student data does the ai tool collect and how is this data used?
- Does the tool comply with relevant privacy regulations (e.g. GDPR, FERPA) and institutional policies?
- Are there strong security measures in place to protect student data from unauthorized access or breaches?
- How transparent is the company in its data handling practices? Can you easily find and understand its privacy policy?
5. Ethical standards
- Does the ai tool include features to mitigate bias and ensure fair treatment of all students?
- How transparent is the ai tool in its decision-making or content generation processes?
- What liability measures exist if the tool produces harmful or biased content?
- Does the tool promote equity and inclusion within the classroom environment?
6. Accessibility
- Is the ai tool designed to be accessible to students with different abilities, including those with disabilities?
- Does the tool comply with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), providing multiple means of representation, participation and expression?
- Are there built-in features or accommodations for students with visual, hearing, or motor disabilities?
- How easily can the tool be adapted or customized to meet the diverse needs of all the students in your classroom?
7. Profitability
- Is the ai tool competitively priced compared to similar tools on the market?
- Does the tool offer a good return on investment in terms of educational benefits versus cost?
- Are there hidden costs, such as subscription fees, required upgrades, or additional training?
- Can the tool cost-effectively replace or complement existing resources?
8. Personalization and adaptability
- Can the ai tool be tailored to meet the specific learning needs of different students or classroom environments?
- How flexible is the tool to adapt to different teaching styles and methods?
- Does the tool allow you to customize content, difficulty levels, or user interfaces to fit the needs of your classroom?
- How easily can the tool be updated or modified to keep pace with changes in educational objectives or technologies?
Related: Top Tips on How to Identify ai-Generated Content in Student Assignments
Final thoughts
It is critical for teachers and educators to look at ai development with a critical eye, leveraging its benefits and wisely addressing its limitations. The criteria and questions I shared in this checklist are designed to help you navigate the complexities of ai adoption in the classroom, ensuring that the tools you choose improve educational outcomes while respecting the highest standards of ethics, privacy, and accessibility.
